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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 66

Descriptive List of the Principal Forest Trees of New Zealand

Descriptive List of the Principal Forest Trees of New Zealand.

Order—Conifers.

Genus—Dammar a, L'Héritier.

Dammar a australis, Lambert.

Kauri.—The kauri is the finest forest tree in New Zealand, and attains a height of 120ft. to 160ft. The trunk is sometimes 80ft. to 100ft. high before branching, and attains a diameter at the base of 10ft. to 20ft.

page 99

The timber is in high repute for masts and spars, deck and other planking of vessels, and is largely used for house finishings. There is abundant evidence of its durability for more than fifty years in some of the old mission-buildings at the Bay of Islands. The buried logs of an ancient kauri forest near Papakura have been excavated and found to be in perfectly sound condition, and were used for sleepers on the Auckland and Waikato Railway. On the Thames Goldfield kauri is used for mine-props, struts, and cap-pieces. It forms the bulk of the timber exported from New Zealand.

Some of the largest and soundest kauri timber has richly mottled shading, which appears to be an abnormal growth, due to the bark being entangled in the ligneous growth, causing shaded parts, broad and narrow, according as the timber is cut relative to their planes. This makes a rich and valuable furniture wood, and in the market is known as "mottled kauri."

The kauri pine occurs only in the North Island and north of Mercury Bay, and grows best near the sea on wet clay land. The kauri forests are largely composed of other trees as well as their characteristic tree.

The turpentine of this tree forms the celebrated kauri gum, which is extensively excavated from the sites of old forests as far south as Taranaki. In 1871 there were exported 5,053 tons, valued at £167,958; in 1875, 2,230 tons, valued at £138,528; in 1877, 3,632 tons, valued at £118,348; in 1882, 5,533 tons, valued at £260,369; and in 1884, 6,393 tons, valued at £342,151.

Genus—Libocedrus, Endl.

Libocedrus doniana, Endl.

Kawaka, Cypress, Cedar.—This handsome tree attains a height of 60ft. to 100ft., and a diameter of 3ft. to 5ft. Wood reddish, fine-grained and heavy; used by the Maoris for carving, and said to be excellent for planks and spars; grows in the North Island, being abundant in the forests near the Bay of Islands and to the north of Auckland.

Libocedrus bidwillii, Hook.

Pahautea, Cedar.—A handsome conical tree 60ft. to 80ft. high, 2ft. to 3ft. in diameter. In Otago, it produces a dark-red free-working timber, rather brittle, chiefly adapted for inside work. Found on the central ranges of the North Island, and common thoughout the forests of the South Island, growing at altitudes of 500ft. to 4,000ft. This timber has been used for sleepers on the Otago railways of late years, is largely employed in that district for fencing page 100 purposes, and is frequently mistaken for totara. In former years it was believed to be suitable only for inside work.

Genus—Podocarpus, L'Héritier.

Podocarpus ferruginea, Don.

Miro, Bastard Black-pine of Otago.—A large ornamental and useful timber tree; attains a height of 40ft. to 60ft., trunk 2ft. to 3ft. in diameter. A useful wood, but not so durable as the matai or true black-pine wood; reddish, close-grained, and brittle; the cross section of the timber shows the heartwood star-shaped and irregular. The timber is generally thought to be unfitted for piles and marine works, except when only partially exposed to the influence of sea-water, as shown in the railway embankment at Bluff Harbour, where it is reported to have been durable. Grows in the North and South Islands at altitudes below 1,000ft.

Podocarpus totara, A. Cunn.

Totara.—A lofty and spreading tree, 69ft. to 120ft. high, 4ft. to 10ft. in diameter, Wood very durable and clean-grained, in appearance like cedar, and works with equal freedom; it is adapted for every kind of carpenters' work. It is used extensively in Wellington for house-building and piles of marine wharves and bridges, and railway sleepers, and is one of the most valuable timbers known. The wood, if felled during the growing season, resists for a long time the attacks of toredo worms. It splits freely, and is durable as fencing and shingles. Totara post-and-rail fences are expected to last from forty to fifty years. The Maoris made their largest canoes from this tree, and the palisading of their pas consisted almost entirely of this wood. Grows throughout the North and South Islands upon both flat and hilly ground; the timber from trees grown on hills is found to be the most durable.

Podocarpus spicata, Br.

Matai, Mai, Black-pine of Otago.—A large tree, 80ft. high, trunk 2ft. to 4ft. in diameter. Wood yellowish, close-grained, and durable; used for a variety of purposes—piles for bridges, wharves, and jetties, bed-plates for machinery, millwrights' work, flooring, house-blocks, railway-sleepers, and fencing. Bridges in various parts of the colony afford proof of its durability. Mr. Buchanan has described a log of matai that he found had been exposed for at least two hundred years in a dense damp bush in North-East Valley, Dunedin, as proved by its being enfolded by the roots of three large page 101 trees of Griselinia littoralis, 3ft. 6in. in diameter, with over 300 growth rings. Grows in both North and South Islands at altitudes under 1,500ft.

Podocarpus dacrydioides, A. Rich.

Kahikatea, White-pine.—A very fine tree, 100ft. to 150ft. high; trunk 4ft. in diameter. Timber white and tough, soft, and well adapted for indoor work, but will not bear exposure. Abundant throughout the North and South Islands. When grown on dry soil it is good for the planks of small boats, but when from swamps it is almost useless. A variety of this tree, known as yellow-pine, is largely sawn in Nelson, and considered to be a durable building timber.

Genus—Dacrydium.

Dacrydium cupressinum, Soland.

Rimu, Red-pine.—Tree pyramidal, with weeping branches when young; trunk 80ft. to 130ft. high, and 2ft. to 6ft. in diameter. An ornamental and useful timber; wood red, clear-grained, heavy, and solid; much used for joisting and planking, and general building purposes, from Wellington southward. Its chief drawback is in being liable to decay under the influence of wet. It is largely used in the manufacture of furniture, the old wood being handsomely marked like rosewood, but of a lighter-brown hue. The juice of this pine is agreeable to drink, and was manufactured into spruce beer by Captain Cook. Grows throughout the North and South Islands, but is of best quality in the central district.

Dacrydium, colensoi, Hook.

Manoao, Yellow-pine.—A very ornamental tree, 20ft. to 80ft. high. Wood light yellow. It is the most durable and strongest timber in New Zealand. Posts of this wood have been in use among the Maoris for several hundred years. Grows in the North and South Islands up to 4,000ft. altitude. This tree is curious from having two kinds of leaves on the same branches. It is greatly valued for furniture.

Genus—Phyllocladus.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, Don.

Tanekaha, Celery-leaved Pine.—A slender, handsome tree, 60ft. high; trunk rarely exceeds 3ft. in diameter; wood pale, close-grained, and excellent for planks and spars; resists decay in moist positions page 102 in a remarkable manner. Grows in the North Island, especially in the hilly districts.

Phyllocladus alpinus, Hook.

Toatoa.—A small ornamental and densely-branched tree, some-times 2ft. in diameter. Bark used for dyeing and making tar. Found in both North and South Islands.

Order—Cupuliferæ.

Genus—Fagus, Linn.

Fagus menziesii, Hook.

Tawhai, Red-birch (from the colour of the bark).—A handsome tree, 80ft. to 100ft. high; trunk 2ft. to 3ft. in diameter. The timber is chiefly used in the lake district in the South Island. Durable and adapted for masts and oars, and for cabinet and cooper's work. Grows in the North Island on the mountain-tops, but abundant in the South Island at all altitudes to 3,000ft.

Fagus fusca, Hook.

Tawhai, Tawhairaunui, Black-birch of Auckland and Otago (from colour of bark), Red-birch of Wellington and Nelson (from colour of timber).—This is a noble tree, 60ft. to 90ft. high; the trunk 5ft, to 8ft. in diameter. The timber is excessively tough and hard to cut. It is highly valued in Nelson and Wellington as being both strong and durable for all purposes. It is found from Kaitaia in the North Island to Otago in the South Island, but is often locally absent from extensive districts, and grows at all heights up to 3,000ft. altitude.

Fagus solandri, Hook.

White-birch of Nelson and Otago (from colour of bark), Black-heart Birch of Wellington.—A lofty, beautiful evergreen tree, 100ft. high; trunk 4ft. to 5ft. in diameter. The heart timber is darker than that of Fagus fusca, and is very durable. The wood is well adapted for fencing and bridge piles, and the bark is useful as a tanning material. This tree occurs only in the southern part of the North Island, but is abundant in the South Island, at 3,000ft. to 5,000ft. altitude.

Order—Myrtaceæ.

Genus—Leptospermum, Forst.

Leptospermum scoparium, Forst.

Kahikatoa, Tea-tree of Cook.—It is ornamental, and useful for page 103 fuel and fencing; generally a small shrub, but occasionally 20ft, in height in the South. Abundant throughout the Islands.

Leptospermum ericoides, A. Rich.

Manuka.—A slender tree, 10ft. to 80ft. high, highly ornamental, more especially when young. The timber can be had 28ft. to 30ft. long, 14in. in diameter at the butt, and 10in. at the small end. The wood is hard and dark-coloured, largely used at present for fuel and fencing, axe-handles and sheaves of blocks, and formerly by the Natives for spears and paddles. The old timber, from its dark-coloured markings, might be used with advantage in cabinet-work, and its great durability might recommend it for many other purposes. Highly valued in Otago for jetty and wharf piles, as it resists the marine worm better than any other timber found in the district. It is extensively used for house-piles. The lightest-coloured wood, called "white manuka," is considered the toughest, and forms an excellent substitute for the "hornbeam" in the cogs of large spur-wheels. It is abundant as a shrub, and is found usually on the poorest soils, but is rare as a tree in large tracts to the exclusion of other trees.

Genus—Metrosideros, Br.

Metrosideros lucida, Menzies.

Rata, Ironwood.—A very ornamental tree; attains a height of 30ft. to 60ft., and a diameter of 2ft. to 10ft. The timber of this tree forms a valuable cabinet wood; is of a dark-red colour; splits freely. It has been much used for knees and timbers in ship-building, and would probably answer well for cogs of spur-wheels. Grows rarely in the North Island, but is abundant in the South Island, especially on the West Coast.

Metrosideros robusta, A. Cunn.

Rata.—A tall erect tree, 50ft. to 60ft. high; diameter of trunk 4ft., but the descending roots often form a hollow stem 12ft. in diameter. Timber closely resembles the last-named species, and is equally dense and durable, while it can be obtained of much larger dimensions. It is used for ship-building, but for this purpose is inferior to the pohutukawa. On the tramways at the Thames it has been used for sleepers, which are perfectly sound after some years' use. Grows in the North Island; usually found in hilly situations from Cape Colville southwards.

Metrosideros tomentosa, A. Cunn.

Pohutukawa.—This tree has numerous massive arms; its height

page 106

Order—Verbenaceæ.

Genus—Vitex.

Vitex littoralis, A. Cunn.

Puriri.—A large tree, 50ft. by 60ft. high; trunk 20ft. in girth, Wood hard, dark olive-brown, much used; said to be indestructible under all conditions. Grows in the northern parts of the North Island only. Considered very valuable for railway-sleepers.

Order—Laurineæ.

Genus—Nesodaphne, Hook.

Nesodaphne tarairi, Hook.

Tarairi.—A lofty forest tree, 60ft. to 80ft. high, with stout branches. Wood white, splits freely, but not much valued. Grows in northern parts of North Island.

Nesodaphne tawa, Hook.

Tawa.—A lofty forest tree, 60ft. to 70ft. high, with slender branches. The wood is light and soft, and is much used for making butter-kegs. Grows in the northern parts of the South Island and also in the North Island, chiefly on low alluvial grounds; is commonly found forming large forests on river-flats.

Order—Monimiaceæ.

Genus—Atherosperma, Lab.

Atherosperma novæ-zealandiœ, Hook.

Pukatea.—Height, 150ft., with buttressed trunk 3ft. to 7ft. in diameter; buttresses 15ft. deep at the base; wood soft and yellowish, used for small boat planks. A variety of this tree has dark-coloured wood that is very lasting in water, and greatly prized by the Maoris for making canoes. Grows in the North Island, and northern parts of the South Island.

Genus—Hedycarya, Forst.

Hedycarya dentata, Forst.

Kaiwhiria.—A small evergreen tree, 20ft. to 30ft. high; the wood is finely marked and suitable for veneering. Grows in the North Island, and as far south as Akaroa in the South Island.

Order—Proteaceæ.

Genus—Knightia, Br.

Knightia excelsa, Br.

Rewarewa.—A lofty slender tree, 100ft. high. Wood handsome, page 107 mottled red and brown, used for furniture and shingles, and for fencing, as it splits easily. It is a most valuable veneering wood. Common in the forests of the North Island, growing upon the hills in both rich and poor soils.

Order—Magnoliaceæ.

Genus—Drimys.

Drimys axillaris, Forst.

Horopito, Pepper-tree, Winter's Bark.—A small slender evergreen tree, very handsome. Whole plant aromatic and stimulant; used by the Maoris for various diseases. Wood very ornamental in cabinetwork, making handsome veneers. Grows abundantly in forests throughout the Islands. At altitudes of 1,000ft. the foliage becomes dense and reddish-coloured.

Drimys colorata, Raoul.

This is a very distinct species, very common near Dunedin; it is a very ornamental shrub-tree, with leaves blotched with red.

Order—Violarieæ.

Genus—Melicytus, Forst.

Melicytus ramiflorus, Forst.

Mahoe, Hinahina.—A small tree, 20ft. to 30ft. high; trunk often angular, and 7ft. in girth. The wood is soft and not in use. Abundant throughout the Islands as far south as Otago. Leaves greedily eaten by cattle.

Order—Malvaceæ.

Genus—Hoheria, A Cunn.

Hoheria populnea, A. Cunn.

Houhere, Ribbonwood of Dunedin.—An ornamental shrub-tree, 10ft. to 30ft. high. Bark fibrous and used for cordage, and affords a demulcent drink. Wood spilts freely for shingles, but is not durable. Grows abundantly throughout the Islands. Bark used for making a tapa cloth by the Maoris in olden times.

Order—Tiliaceæ.

Genus—Aristotelia.

Aristotelia racemosa, Hook.

Mako.—A small handsome tree, 6ft. to 20ft. high, quick growing, page 108 with large racemes of reddish nodding flowers. Wood very light, and white in colour, and might he applied to the same purposes as the lime-tree in Britain; it makes good veneers.

Genus—Elœocarpus, Linn.

Elœocarpus dentatus, Vahl.

Hinau.—A small tree, about 50ft. high, and 18in. thick in stem, with brown bark which yields a permanent blue-black dye, which is used for tanning; it is used by the Maoris for colouring mats and baskets. Wood a yellowish-brown colour and close-grained; very durable for fencing and piles. Common throughout the Islands.

Order—Olacineæ.

Genus—Pennantia, Forst.

Pennantia corymbosa, Forst.

Kaikomako.—A small, very graceful tree, with white sweet-smelling flowers; height 20ft to 30ft. Wood used by the Maoris for kindling fires by friction. Grows on the mountains of the North Island, and more abundantly throughout the South Island.

Order—Rhamneæ.

Genus—Discaria, Hook.

Discaria toumatou, Raoul.

Tumatakuru, Wild Irishman.—A hush or small tree with spreading branches; if properly trained would form a handsome hedge that would be stronger than whitehorn. The spines were used by the Maoris for tatooing.

Order—Sapindaceæ.

Genus—Dodonœa, Linn.

Dodonœa viscosa, Forst.

Ake.—A small tree, 6ft. to 12ft. high. Wood very hard, variegated black and white; used for Maori clubs; abundant in dry woods and forests.

Genus—Alectryon, Gærtner.

Alectryon excelsum, DC.

Titoki.—A beautiful tree with large panicles of reddish flowers. Trunk 15ft. to 20ft. high, and 12in. to 20in. in diameter. Wood has similar properties to ash, and is used for similar purposes. Its page 109 toughness makes it valuable for wheels, coach-building, &c.; the oil of the seeds was used for anointing the person. Grows in the North and South Islands; not uncommon in forests.

Order—Coriarieæ.

Genus—Coriaria, Linn.

Coriaria ruscifolia, Linn.

Tupakihi, Tree Tutu.—A perennial shrub 10ft. to 18ft. high; trunk 6in. to 8in. in diameter. The so-called berries (fleshy petals) vary very much in succulence, the less juicy bearing seeds which, according to Colenso, are not poisonous. The juice is purple, and affords a grateful beverage to the Maoris; and a wine, like elderberry wine, has been made from them. The seeds and leaves contain a poisonous alkaloid, and produce convulsions, delirium, and death, and are sometimes fatal to cattle and sheep. Abundant throughout the Islands.

Order—Leguminosæ.

Genus—Sophora. Linn.

Sophora tetraptera, Aiton.

Kowhai.—A small or middling-sized tree. It has a splendid appearance, with large pendulous yellow flowers. Wood red; valuable for fencing, being highly durable; it is also adapted for cabinet-work. It is used for piles in bridges, wharves, &c. Abundant throughout the Islands.

Order—Saxifrageæ.

Genus—Carpodetus, Forst.

Carpodetus serratus, Forst.

Tawiri, White Mapau, White-birch (of Auckland).—A small tree, 10ft. to 30ft. high; trunk unusually slender; branches spreading in a fan-shaped manner, which makes it of very ornamental appearance; flower white, profusely produced. The wood is soft and tough, and might be used in the manufacture of handles for agricultural implements and axes. Grows in the North and South Islands; frequent by the banks of rivers.

Genus—Weinmannia, Linn.

Weinmannia racemosa, Forst.

Towhai, Kamahi.—A large tree; trunk 2ft. to 4ft. in diameter, and 50ft. high. Wood close-grained and heavy, but rather brittle; page 110 might be used for plane-making and other joiners' tools, block-cutting for paper and calico printing, besides various kinds of turnery and wood-engraving. The bark of this tree is largely used for tanning. The extract of bark is chemically allied to the gum kino of commerce, their value being about equal. Grows in the middle and southern parts of the North Island and throughout the South Island.

Order—Rubiaceæ.

Genus—Coprosma, Forst.

Coprosma linariifolia, Hook.

Karamu.—An ornamental shrub-tree; wood close-grained and yellow; might be used for turnery. Grows in mountain localities of the North and South Islands.

Several other species of this genus grow to a considerable size, and have ornamental timber. It has been proposed to use the berries of C. baueriana as a substitute for coffee.

Order—Jasmineæ.

Genus—Olea, Linn.

Olea cunninghamii, Hook, fil.

Black Maire.—40ft. to 50ft. high, 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter; timber close-grained, heavy, and very durable. Much of this very valuable timber is being destroyed in clearing the land.

Order—Santalaceæ.

Genus—Santalum, Linn.

Santalum cunninghamii, Hook. fil.

Maire.—A small tree 10ft. to 15ft. high, 6in. to 8in. in diameter; wood hard, close-grained, heavy. Used by the Maoris in the manufacture of war implements. Has been used as a substitute for box by wood-engravers.

Mineral Waters.

Principal Mineral Springs.

New Zealand is singularly rich in springs of water that hold mineral salts in solution, and some of these are already noted for their valuable medicinal properties.

Both hot and cold springs are found, the former being, with few page 111 exceptions, confined to the districts of the North Island where volcanic forces have been active during the latest Tertiary period, and are not yet altogether dormant. A few thermal springs are found to escape from the Upper Mesozoic rocks, in localities where the source of heat can only be attributed to chemical decomposition of bituminous matters and sulphides; and in a few instances warm waters spring from Palæozoic rock-formations in the South Island. The cold mineral springs have a wider distribution, but have only as yet been examined from comparatively few localities.

The mineral waters of New Zealand are classified, from analyses that have been made in the Colonial Laboratory, under the following groups :—

Saline.—Containing chiefly chloride of sodium.

Alkaline.—Containing carbonates and bicarbonates of soda and potash.

Alkaline Siliceous.—Waters containing much silicic acid, but changing rapidly on exposure to the atmosphere, and becoming alkaline.

Hepatic or Sulphurous.—Waters the prominent character of which is the presence of sulphuretted hydrogen and sulphurous acid.

Acid Waters.—In which there is an excess of mineral acids, such as hydrochloric and sulphuric acid.

The following is a list of the best-known mineral springs, full details concerning which are to be found in the Official Laboratory Reports:—

No. Name and Locality. Temp. Fahr. Grains per Pint. Chemical Character of Water.
Bay of Islands District. Deg.
Ohaeawai and Pakaraka 60-116 16.8 Acid, aluminous; deposits mercury.
Hauraki District.
Waiwera 110 17.7 Alkaline, saline.
3 Puriri 60 67.1 Carbonated, alkaline.
Bay of Plenty.
4 White Island Lake 97-212 1850.8 Strongly acid.
5 White Island Springs 210 26.1 Strongly acid.
Rotomahana.
6 Pink Terrace Geyser 208 19.3 Sulphurous.
7 White Terrace Geyser 210 18 Alkaline.
Whakarewarewa.
8 Turikore, or Spirit Bath 90-120 10.9 Sulphurous.
9 Koroteoteo, or Oil Bath 214 13 Caustic, alkaline.
10 Ngatarawa, Gas Pool 124 8.4 Sulphurous.
11 Papatangi, Lobster-pot 110 5.7 Sulphurous.page 112
Arikikapakapa. Deg.
12 Mud Bath 98 9.2 Saline, acidic.
13 Sulphur Pool 160 6.8 Acidic.
14 Sulphur Spring 73-98 10 Acidic.
15 Sulphur Stream 80 8.5 Acidic.
16 Mud Lake 65 6.8 Acidic.
Rotorva.
17 Tapui to Koutou, Graham's Farm Bath 90-108 9.1 Alkaline.
18 Kuirau, Washing Spring 136-156 9.9 Alkaline, siliceous
19 Waihunuhunuki, Lake House Clear Bath 130-170 7.3 Alkaline.
20 Lake House Acid Bath 150 11.4 Acidic.
21 Waikite (a), Morrison's Hotel Bath 120 9.4 Alkaline.
22 Waikite (b), Scott's Bath 116 9.6 Alkaline.
23 Hinemaru, Hughes's Baths 170 16.7 Alkaline.
24 Te Kauwhanga (a), Cameron's Bath 115 10.1 Acidio.
25 Te Kauwlianga (b), Painkiller 204 13.8 Acidic and hepatic.
26 Perekari, Sulphur Point Boiling Pool 130-150 7 Acidic.
27 Mud Bath, Sulphur Point 120 7.8 Acidic and hepatic.
28 Hot Pool, Sulphur Point 200 12.1 Acid.
29 Whangapipiro, Madame Rachel's Bath 170-210 14.7 Alkaline and siliceous
30 Otamawhata 144 11.4 Alkaline.
31 Hospital Lake 66 11.3 Acidic.
32 Te Pupunitanga, Priest's Bath 94-110 12.1 Acidic.
Rotoiti.
33 Te Kute, mud lake at Tihitari 100-212 6.1 Acidic, hepatie.
34 Te Mimi, hot waterfall, from 33° C. 90-112 3.8 Acidic.
Taupo District.
35 Rotokawa, Black Water 192 17.8 Acidic.
36 Rotokawa, Yellow Water 152 22 Acidic.
37 Wairakei, Piroirori, or White Water 112 1.8 Alkaline.
38 Ruahine, Crow's Nest 180 19.2 Alkaline.
39 Ruahine, Witches' Cauldron 192 20.8 Alkaline.
40 Ruahine, Ohinekahoro 195 23 Alkaline.
41 Ruahine, spring on flat near track 132 2.2 Feebly saline.
42 Otumahike, Acacia 136 3.9 Feebly alkaline.
43 Lofley's Gully, McPherson's 96 1.9 Feebly alkaline.
44 Lofley's Gully, cold stream 76 1.3 Feebly alkaline.
45 Lofley's Gully, warm stream 114 2.8 Feebly alkaline.
46 Lofley's Gully, Sumach 106 3 Feebly alkaline.
47 Lofley's Gully, Source No. 1 106 3 Alkaline, siliceous.
48 Lofley's Gully, Source No. 2 136 19 Alkaline, saline.
49 Lofley's Gully, Kokowai 104 2 Feebly saline.
50 Waipahihi, A.C. Bath No. 1 110 4.7 Chlorinated saline.
51 Waipahihi, A.C. Bath No. 2 146 5.7 Saline.
52 Waipahihi, Tea-tree Spring 170 13.4 Alkaline, siliceous.
53 Waipahihi, Source No. 1 160 10.8 Alkaline.
54 Waipahihi, Source No. 2 166 13 Alkaline.
55 Waipahihi, Waipahihi Stream 98 8.6 Saline.
56 Left bank, Waikato, Waiariki 125 10.8 Chlorinated saline.
Waikato District.
57 Whangape 160-200 6 Alkaline.
Ruapehu District.
58 Onetapu, Waikato 70 58 page 113
East Cape District. Deg.
59 Roparoa, Waiapu Cold Saline, bituminous.
60 Manutahi Waiapu Cold Saline, bituminous.
61 Pepoti Waiapu Cold Hydrocarbon gas.
62 Waipaoa, Poverty Bay Cold Bituminous.
63 Waipiro, Waiapu 144 Calcareous, bituminous.
Wellington District.
64 Wallingford 60 10.4 Acid.
65 Pahua Cold 184.2 Alkaline.
66 Burton's Spring Cold
67 Akiteo (a) Cold 62.4 Alkaline.
68 Akiteo (b) Cold 4.8 Sulphurous.
South Island.
69 Hanmer Plain Springs, Amuri 90-104 10.8 Alkaline.
70 Sumner Lake Springs, Amuri 93 2.3 Saline.
71 Amberley Spring, Canterbury Cold 11.7 Chalybeate.
72 Wickliffe Bay Spring, Otago 34.6 Saline.
73 Gibson's Spring, Southland Cold 2.3 Alkaline.

1. Ohaeawai, Auckland. A group of springs used as baths, 17 miles from Bay of Islands, the waters of which are acidic, depositing sulphur and alum on cooling. Silica is only deposited as a granular sediment. These springs are chiefly interesting from their being accompanied by an escape of mercurial vapour, which deposits cinna-bar and metallic mercury. Their medicinal action is tonic and chalybeate, and they have a specific alterative action in skin diseases.

2. Waiwera, on the coast, 30 miles north of Auckland. A powerful escape of weakly alkaline and saline water, extensively used as baths for rheumatic and dyspeptic complaints; used internally it has also a mild antilithic action. This spring is largely resorted to, and most comfortable accommodation is provided for visitors.

Analysis. Grains par Gallon.
Chloride of sodium 116 715
Chloride of potassium .091
Chloride of lithium traces
Iodide of magnesium traces
Sulphate of soda .383
Bicarbonate of soda 87.513
Bicarbonate of lime 10.692
Bicarbonate of magnesia .954
Bicarbonate of iron .683
Alumina traces
Silica 2.464
8 219.495
page 114

3. Puriri, about ten miles from Grahamstown. A cold, effervescent water, having valuable properties from the presence of a large percentage of alkaline carbonates. It is bottled both as still and aerated water, and is coming into repute as an antilithic aperient, and would probably be useful in cases of acid dyspepsia and in disorders of the kidney and bladder. In chemical properties it approaches very closely to Fachingen and Ems waters of Nassau in Germany.

Grains per Gallon.
Chloride of sodium 21.938
Iodide of magnesium traces
Sulphate of soda .940
Sulphate of potash 4.938
Carbonate of iron traces
Bicarbonate of lime 28.506
Bicarbonate of magnesia 25.625
Bicarbonate of soda 452.393
Bicarbonate of lithia traces
Silica 2.772
Phosphoric acid not determined
537.112

4—5. White Island. A conical island in the Bay of Plenty, formed by the summit of an extinct volcanic mountain rising out of deep water. The crater is occupied by a lake of strong mineral water, which is fed by intermittent geysers and boiling springs which surround it. All these waters are intensely acid, and deposit sulphate of lime; while the accompanying vapours form irregular deposits of pure sulphur. The first water is too powerful to be used medicinally in its natural state, but might be turned to valuable account in certain chemical manufactures.

6—34. Are associated geographically as all coming from the famous Rotorua and Rotomahana Districts. They, however, present considerable variety in quality, and may be classed as follows :—

6—17. Alkaline and Siliceous Waters.—These differ from the ordinary alkaline waters in the presence of silicic instead of carbonic acid as the combining agent. They are remarkable from their building extensive mounds and terraces composed of silica deposited by the cooling water, and involving as it solidifies a certain amount of granular silica, which is held in mechanical suspension; in this manner the wonderful pink and white terraces of Rotomahana and page 115 the domes of Whakarewarewa have been formed. This class of water invariably contains carbonic-acid gas, and in some cases also sulphuretted hydrogen in large quantity, the oxidation of which leads to the formation of sulphurous and sulphuric acid and the liberation of hydrochloric acid, and in this way gives rise to the acidic waters. When used as baths they have an undoubted alterative action, and are very useful in rheumatic affections, especially in gouty constitutions. This is probably due to the specific action of silicates in promoting the discharge of uric acid from the system, as has lately been pointed out by French chemists.

Acidic Writers. In the case of these waters the carbonates have been wholly eliminated, and the alkaline salts are formed by a mineral acid, either sulphuric or hydrochloric. In some cases the acid is greatly in excess, forming a bath which has a powerful action upon the liver and upon diseases dependent on the derangement of that important organ. In some the presence of sulphurous and hydro-sulphuric acid in large quantities gives these baths great efficacy in cutaneous diseases.

The following are the analyses of four types of the mineral waters in the Rotorua District:—

32. "Tp Pupunitanga," commonly known as the "Priest's Bath;" aluminous and strongly acid (reaction acid).

Grains per Gallon.
Sulphate of soda 19.24
Sulphate of potash traces
Sulphate of lime 7.41
Sulphate of magnesia 3.03
Sulphate of alumina 21.67
Sulphate of iron 1.24
Sulphuric acid 22.12
Hydrochloric acid 3.65
Silica 18.41
96.77
Sulphuretted hydrogen 2.98
Carbonic-acid gas 2.16

29. "Whangapipiro," commonly known is "Madame Rachel's Bath;" saline waters with silicates (reaction alkaline).

page 116
Grains per Gallon.
Chloride of sodium 69.43
Chloride of potassium 3.41
Chloride of lithium traces
Sulphate of soda 11.80
Silicate of soda 18.21
Silicate of lime 4.24
Silicate of magnesia 1.09
Iron and alumina oxides 2.41
Silica 5.87
amit 116.46
Carbonic-acid gas 3.79

24. "Te Kauwhanga" (a), commonly known as "Cameron's Bath;" hepatic, feebly saline, with excess of acid (reaction acid).

Grains per Gallon.
Sulphate of soda 44.54
Chloride of potassium 1.67
Chloride of sodium 12.04
Chloride of calcium 5.22
Chloride of magnesia 1.28
Chloride of alumina 0.62
Silica 9.22
Hydrochloric acid 5.92
80.51
Sulphuretted hydrogen 4.42
Carbonic-acid gas 1.96

8. "Turikore." Faintly acid reaction, which turns to alkaline on boiling.

Grains per Gallon.
Silicate of soda 16.32
Silicate of lime 1.61
Silicate of magnesia 1.14
Silicate of iron .39
Sulphate of soda 13.47
Chloride of potassium 1.24
Chloride of sodium 53.61
Phosphate of alumina traces
87.78
page 117

An interesting paper, communicated to the Australasian Medical Gazette by Dr. Hope Lewis, and a pamphlet by Dr. A. Ginders,* the medical officer in charge, give full particulars of the medicinal advantages of the many springs.

35—56. With the exception of the first two their general characters are saline and faintly acid. They are reported to be suitable for internal and external use, as alteratives, in scorbutic and tubercular diseases, also in chronic nervous affections and cutaneous eruptions. The presence of iodine in these waters, which was formerly reported, has been disproved by recent analyses of authentic samples.

57. Whangape, Waikato, is a hot alkaline water, having a composition similar to those of Puriri and Waiwera.

58. Onetapu Desert, at the sources of the Waikato and Wangaehu Rivers. This powerful spring, which issues at the base of Ruapehu, is so strongly charged with sulphates of iron and alumina as to taint the water of the latter river from its source to the sea, a distance of seventy miles. It is only one of the many mineral springs which occur in the still active volcanic district of Tongariro.

59—62. In the East Cape and Poverty Bay District are four—out of some seventeen different springs which have been discovered—that yield hydrocarbons, either in the form of gas or oil, and associated with saline waters. The source of these springs is probably certain bituminous shales at the base of the Cretaceous formation.

63. Waipiro is interesting as being a hot spring in the same district (in which there is no evidence of any volcanic action), and as depositing immense quantities of carbonate of lime in acicular crystals. This lime-deposit is built up in the form of a wall, marking the line of fissure through which the water escapes.

64—65. Are cold springs in the Wellington District, and belong to the class of saline waters, which are generally feebly acid. Springing from rocks of Lower Secondary formation, they are interesting from the large proportion of iodine and other exceptional elements which they contain. Pahua is the most notable in this respect, and has the following composition :— page 118
Grains per Gallon.
Chloride of sodium 1,303.329
Chloride of potassium .501
Chloride of magnesium 34.960
Chloride of calcium 120.885
Iodine of magnesium .582
Bromide of magnesium traces
Sulphate of lime 3.026
Phosphate of alumina .641
Phosphate of iron traces
Phosphate of lime .430
Bicarbonate of lime 6.451
Silica 1.696
Iodine, free 1.595
1,474.096

Total quantity of iodine to the gallon (free and combined), 2.127 grains.

66. Burton's Taipo, in addition to iodine, contains traces of arsenic.

67, 68. Akiteo (a) is a strong saline water containing iodides and bromides, while Akiteo (b) is an aerated chalybeate water, and Would be valuable as a tonic, being similar to the springs at Pyrmont, Waldeck, and Recoaro, Venetia. Aerated chalybeate waters of medicinal value are found in many other parts of New Zealand; among these may be mentioned a locality near Whangarei, in the North, and Chain Hills, near Dunedin, in the South.

69. The springs which occur at the Hanmer Plains, Amuri, are alkaline, with a strong escape of sulphuretted hydrogen, and would form useful baths in rheumatic and cutaneous diseases.

70. At the distance of a few miles from Sumner Lake water has a temperature of 93° Fahr., as it gushes from the sandstone rock, but it docs not contain sufficient matters in solution to entitle it to rank as a mineral water.

71. Amberley. This was analysed and reported on by Professor Bickerton, of the Canterbury College, as a chalybeate water, but unfit for use on account of the organic matter present. The analysis gave the following quantitative results:— page 119
Grains per Gallon.
Total dissolved solids 37.6
Volatile 8.8
Fixed 28.8
Carbonate of lime 3.6
Carbonate of magnesia 2.2
Chlorine 10.5
Iron protoxide 2.3
Free ammonia .069
Albuminoid ammonia .034
Sediment 165.2
72. Wickliffe Bay, Otago. An analysis of this water is given by Professor Black, of Otago University. It appears to be a saline water:—
Grains per Gallon.
Sulphuric acid (combined) 39.3
Cholorine 112.0
Magnesia 18.3
Lime 11.5
Alkalies 83.0
Carbonic acid (combined) 12.6

73. Gibson's Spring, Southland, is a water which is stated to be a specific in diarrhœa, and contains a large amount of organic matter, to some astringent quality of which its medicinal qualities are probably due.

Statistical Diagrams.

With the view of presenting a ready means for observing the rate of economic progress of New Zealand, some of the leading statistical features have been collected and thrown into graphic form—a method of representation which has the double advantage of appealing to the understanding by means of an expression of form as well as of figures, and is especially applicable to purposes such as the present.

The period shown is that from 1868 to 1881, and the diagrams will afford opportunity for much interesting comparison, illustrative of the more or less rapid advances in material prosperity.

The diagrams treat of the following subjects :—

No. I. Population.—This shows the birth-rate and death-rate per 1,000, and the ratio of increase per 100 in the population of New Zealand. The great leap made by New Zealand in 1874 was due to the fact of the Immigration and Public Works Act having that year page 120 come into active operation, under the provision of which an extraordinarily large number of immigrants were brought out by the Government. The somewhat low position shown in 1878 and 1881 is accounted for by the circumstance of an error having accumulated in the estimated yearly returns of population between the periodic census of 1874 and 1878 and 1881, which necessarily lowers the apparent rate of increase for these years.

No. II. Marriages.—The marriage-rate per thousand of population has fluctuated considerably. This fluctuation is also a peculiarity of the Australian Colonies, with the exception of Victoria.

No. III. Total Trade : Imports and Exports (produce of the colony).—New Zealand has not maintained the position held at the commencement of the period under notice.

No. IV. Savings.—In this diagram, which exhibits the rate of deposits in Post-Office and other Savings Banks to population, the colony, it is shown, has made considerable progress.

No. V. Railways.—The proportion of constructed railways to population is shown in this diagram.

No. VI. Telegraphs.—This diagram is similar to the above.

No. VII. Wheat.—The average yield of wheat per acre, shown in this diagram, contrasts favourably with the general average given of America, which is about 11½ bushels per acre.

No. VIII. Cultivation.—This diagram exhibits the area of land in cultivation (including land under sown grasses) in proportion to the population. The extraordinary progress made by New Zealand in this direction is very strikingly shown.

No. IX. Gold.—The value of gold raised in proportion to population during the years 1868—84 is shown in this diagram. The decline in the quantity of gold raised in New Zealand is very marked.

No. X. Relative Increase of Population and Public Debt.—For the purpose of comparison the increase of population since 1868 (from 220,000 to 570,000), and that of the public debt (from £7,000,000 to £30,000,000), have each been divided into twenty equal parts.

By Authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer. Wellington.—1866.

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Table Of Statistics.

[New Zealand Handbook—Hector. 1886.] AREA. Sq. Miles. Acres.

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No. I

No. I

No. II

No. II

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TOTAL TRADE.................... IMPORTS................. EXPORTS (Produce of Colony.) head of population 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. £43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

No. III.

72/ 70/ 68/ 66/ 64/ 62/ 60/ 58/ 56/ 54/ 52/ 50/ 48/ 46/ 44/ 42/ 40/ 38/ 36/ 34/ 32/ 30/ 28/ 26/ 24/ 22/ 20/

Deposits in Savings Banks. No. IV.

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1,000 of population. 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. Miles, 2.80 2.70 2.60 2.50 2.40 2.30 2.20 2.10 2.00 1.90 1.80 1.70 1.60 1.50 1.40 1.30 1.20 1.10 1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50

Railways. No. V.

10 9 8 7 6

Telegraphs. No. VI.

Bushels acre. 1869. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22

Average Yield of Wheat. No. VII.

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JAMES MEKERROW Surveyor General. MAP OF THE MIDDLE ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND. Scale of Miles. Reference. Chief Towns.........................shewn thus........DUNEDIN Minor Towns and Post Offices.........................AKAROA Roads................................................ Railway................................................ Boundaries of Provincial Districts.................................

* "The Thermal-Springs, Rotorua, New Zealand: Hints on cases likely to benefit by treatment thereat." Wellington. By authority: George Didsbury, Government Printer.